A US woman who dropped her toddler into a zoo's cheetah pit has been sentenced to a year of probation that includes counselling.

Michelle Schwab, of Delaware, Ohio, was also told to attend parenting classes.

She was charged with child endangering after authorities said she dangled her two-year-old son over the railing of Cleveland zoo's cheetah exhibit in April. The boy lunged from her and fell about 10 feet.

Ms Schwab and her husband jumped into the exhibit to retrieve the boy, who broke his leg. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo officials say the cheetahs did not approach the family.

Ms Schwab pleaded no contest to a reduced charge of aggravated trespassing in May.

Her lawyers said in court the accident and media attention that followed brought her a great deal of stress and anxiety.